What January feels like in London
January is the coldest stretch of winter in London. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in London in January
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 5 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year London averages about 5.3 mm per rainy day, so January is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, London gets 8 h 19 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:00 am to sunset near 4:18 pm. Since mid-December the day has gained 26 min. Measured sunshine covers about 48% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
In London's temperature order, January sits as the coolest month. Against December, the average high is 0.9°C (1.6°F) lower, with 1 mm less rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. February averages a high of 8.3°C (46.9°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting London in January
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is London in January?
Afternoons average 7.4°C (45.3°F) and nights about 2°C (35.6°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in London in January?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 60 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in London in January?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting London?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Fair. February has fewer rainy days.